Automatic self contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system and method of installation

ABSTRACT

A collapsible traffic barrier system is disclosed which includes a steel vault having a top, a bottom, two ends, an approach side and a shoulder side. The top may be treated with anti-skid material. A rod is rotatably mounted to support members inside the vault, wherein the rod extends across the vault from end to end. A plurality of bollards are coupled to the rod substantially near the first end thereof, whereby rotation of the rod rotates the bollards so as to extend the second ends of the bollards above the vault in a vertical direction, or raised position. An actuator having a first end anchored within the vault and a second end is coupled to the rod by means of an arm. The actuator is a worm-drive mechanism disposed for rotating the rod. A stop is anchored to the bottom of the vault for engaging the first ends of the bollards when the bollards are in the raised position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation of Provisional Application No. 60/404,272, filed Aug. 19, 2002 by the same inventors hereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to an automatic collapsible self-contained, below-grade traffic barrier bollard system which can be installed with a minimum amount of excavation and minimum on-site construction. The system may be installed into a foundation perimeter and features a novel and unique rapid deployment system.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] With the recent terrorist's attacks and threats of further attacks, security has become of utmost concern to businesses, local, state and federal governments and especially the military. Many security devices are currently available, especially traffic barricades. Such traffic barricades come in a wide variety of types adapted for general and specific purposes. However, the present invention relates specifically to collapsible road traffic barriers and barricades.

[0006] Collapsible road traffic barriers and barricades are well known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,185, which issued to Eikelenboon on Nov. 10, 1987, discloses a collapsible road traffic barrier comprised of a foundation pit, a frame located in the foundation pit, an expandable traffic barrier element mounted in the frame, at least one energy absorption element extending from a rear wall of the foundation pit to a rear side of the frame, and at least one stretching element connected between the front side of the frame and the front wall of the foundation pit. Another example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,737, which issued to Nasatka, et al, on Jul. 25, 1989, discloses a vehicle barricade comprised of a frame to which a traffic barrier plate is pivotally mounted for being moved between a passage and a blocking position. Still another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,696, which issued to Brodskiy, provides a system that prevents motorists from crossing railroad tracks such that when the warning gates are down during the approach of a train, this invention provides for a plurality of piercing cogs that retract from the ground when the railroad crossing gates are closed.

[0007] Yet another example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,426, which issued to Perea on Nov. 10, 1987. The traffic barrier disclosed in this patent comprises a vault buried within and transverse to the roadway. The vault has within a latched plurality of traffic barrier arms that may be raised by any powered means, or manually, and the raised traffic barrier arms being positioned within the vault so that impact forces are transmitted directly to the vault, and to a foundation, and little or no load is supported by a pivoting mechanism.

[0008] Accordingly, it is seen that there exists a need for an automatic self-contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system, which can be installed with minimum excavation and on-site construction into a foundation perimeter and features a novel and unique rapid deployment system. Ideally, the device of the present invention should encompass rapid deployment, portability, and ease of replacement.

[0009] The previous collapsible road traffic barriers, as identified above, fail to provide the benefits intended with the present invention, such as providing an automatic self-contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed and claimed herein. The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages over the prior art device through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which are simple to use, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is an automatic self-contained collapsible below grade traffic barrier bollard system, which can be installed with a minimum amount of excavation and on-site construction into a foundation perimeter and features a novel and unique rapid deployment system. The purpose of the system of the present invention is to provide for a device that is disposed from side to side or the like across a roadway to control passage along the roadway. Barricade bollards are commonly used for this purpose, but are normally inserted in concrete in a permanent position or the bollards may be removed for clear passage for vehicular traffic. Below ground barricades are well known in the art. However, many require extensive excavation work, which often results in serious access problems due to the extensive time required for construction and installation. The system of the present invention can be installed with a minimum amount of excavation and a minimum amount of on-site construction.

[0011] The automatic self-contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system system of the present invention is designed as an in-ground traffic barrier system which is comprised of a plate steel vault having four sides and a top and a bottom. The top features an approach side and a shoulder side. The interior of the plate steel vault includes supports, which are evenly spaced throughout the vault and are parallel to each other. The surfaces of the supports feature a flat steel plate of adequate size in order to accommodate vehicular traffic. The interior of the vault also includes an operational rotating rod, which is removably secured to each bollard collar. The operational rotating rod is also secured to each beam in the interior of the vault and is designed to reach from side to side for impact control. The operational rotating rod features two split bushing blocks at each connection or securing point which provide for the rotation of the rod in order to raise and lower each respective bollard. Each respective split bushing block provides for a steel bushing or the like which will also provide for a grease fitting for maintenance purposes as well as an extra thick steel collar added from the pivot point. The operational rotating rod of the present invention is also secured to an arm that provides a push lever, which is secured to an electromagmetic worm gear actuator with two pins or the like. The present invention also provides for easy access to the serving of the actuator by providing for an inspection cover, which is easily removed as necessary.

[0012] When the system of the present invention is activated or deployed the traffic barrier bollards are raised in a fashion so that they are tilted toward the oncoming vehicular traffic. During this process the traffic barrier arms of the present invention are raised to the point where they stop against a steel structure, which monitors and controls the travel of the base of the bollard. Also attached to each bollard is a nylon strap material or chain or the like which covers the area from the top of the bollard to the shoulder area in the vault wherein the bollard rests when in the lowered position. This is an important safety feature of the present invention and will ensure the safety of pedestrian traffic across the vault when the bollards are in the raised position. The present invention provides for a rapid replacement of any bollards, which may become damaged due to impact from a vehicle or the like. If there is any bending of any of the respective traffic barrier bollards, since the bollards are located above the area of the top of the vault, replacement of these respective bollards is quick, easy, and economical.

[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for an automatic self-contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system, which will overcome the deficiencies, shortcomings, and drawbacks of prior traffic barrier bollard systems and methods thereof.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a versatile automatic self-contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system, which is designed and configured to provide for a self-contained traffic barrier bollard unit, which can be installed and repaired in a minimal amount of time.

[0015] Still another object of the present invention, to be specifically enumerated herein, is to provide for an environmentally safe automatic self contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system in accordance with the preceding objects and which will conform to conventional methods of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide for an system that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation and be either fixed or collapsible and may be powered by solar or any other means.

[0016] Although there have been many inventions related to traffic barrier bollard systems, none of the inventions have become sufficiently compact, low cost, and reliable enough to become commonly used. The present invention meets the requirements of the simplified design, environmentally safe, compact size, low initial cost, and low operating cost, ease of installation and maintainability, and minimal amount of training to successfully employ the invention including the capability of being able to control the deployment of the present invention from single or multiple locations.

[0017] The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and application of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automatic self-contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system of the present invention, shown above an opening in the roadway for receiving the system.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention, with a portion of the top layer cut away in order to illustrate parts of the structure therein.

[0020]FIG. 3 is an end cut-away view of the present invention showing the bollards in the down position.

[0021]FIG. 4 is another end cut-away view of the present invention showing deployment of the traffic barrier bollards.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the present invention showing details of the structure supporting the traffic barrier bollards.

[0023] Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the views of the drawings.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-5, the automatic self-contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system 10 will be described. The system 10 illustrated and described herein is used to provide for a traffic control device that is disposed across a roadway to control passage along the roadway. The system 10 provides for an automatic self-contained collapsible below-grade traffic barrier bollard system, which can be installed with a minimum amount of excavation and on-site construction into a foundation perimeter and features a novel and unique rapid deployment system.

[0025] Preferably, the automatic self-contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system 10 of the present invention is comprised of a self contained rectangular box-like plate steel vault 12 having two ends 14 and a top 16 and a bottom 18. The self-contained boxlike plate steel vault 12 is shown to be rectangular, but it is noted that the plate steel vault 12 is not limited to this rectangular shape, and can in fact, include any shape and configuration required. The top side 16 features an approach side 17 and a shoulder side 19. Moreover, disposed around the perimeter of the vault 12 is a lip 21 for adding rigidity when the vault is secured in a concrete mounting. The lip 21 may be formed of steel like that of the vault 12. It is pointed out that the vault 12 may be hot-dipped galvanized and may preferably include an anti-skid drive surface.

[0026] As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the interior 22 of the plate steel vault 12 is comprised of supports 20 which are evenly spaced throughout the vault 12 and are parallel to each other. Mounted atop the supports 20 are a set of I-beams 23 disposed parallel to the direction of traffic flow over the vault. Mounted atop and perpendicular to the I-beams 23 are a plurality of channel beams 25, which support a flat steel plate 24 disposed over the vault 12. The flat steel plate 24 is of adequate size in order to accommodate vehicular traffic. In one embodiment plate 24 is ½″ thick. The interior 22 of the vault 12 also includes an operational rotating rod 26, typically made of a schedule 80 steel pipe, which is removeably secured to each of a plurality of bollards 34.

[0027] In one embodiment, the bollards are constructed of 4″×4″×½″ steel posts, with an additional steel plate which are corrosion resistant with a anti-skid top surface. A minimum of two bollards are required, however in accordance with the illustrated preferred embodiment four are employed. Each of the bollards 34 is secured to the rotating rod 26 by means of a collar secured to the rod with four Grade 8 bolts, which makes it easy to rapidly replace a damaged bollard.

[0028] The operational rotating rod 26 is also secured with bushings to each I-beam 23 in the interior of the vault 12. The rotating rod 26 is designed to reach from side to side for impact control. The operational rotating rod 26 features split bushing blocks 32 at each connection or securing point, which provides for the rotation of the rod 26 in order to raise or lower each respective bollard 34. Each respective split bushing block 32 provides for steel bushings or the like which will also provide for grease fittings for maintenance purposes. In one embodiment, Royersford split bushings were employed.

[0029] The operational rotating rod 26 of the present invention 10 is also secured to an arm 36 that provides a push lever which is secured to an electricial mechanical, worm-drive gear actuator 38 such as that sold under the Duff-Norton brand or the like with two pins 40 (not shown). The worm-drive gear actuator features a self-lubricating system.

[0030] When the system 10 of the present invention is activated or deployed, the traffic barrier bollards 34 are raised in a fashion so that they are tilted toward the oncoming vehicular traffic at a 60° or the like angle with the road surface. During this process, the traffic barrier arms are raised to the point where they stop against a solid steel plate 42 which limits and controls the travel of the base of the each respective bollards 34. Typical deployment time for raising the bollards is approximately 10 seconds. Also, attached to each bollard 34 is a nylon strap material 46 or chain (not shown) or the like which covers the area from the top of the bollard to the shoulder area of the vault 12 wherein the bollard 34 rests when in the lowered position. This is an important safety feature of the present invention and will ensure the safety of the walking traffic across the vault when the bollards 34 are in the raised position

[0031] As stated hereinabove, when the bollards 34 are in the raised or upright position, they form a 60° or the like angle with the road surface. When a vehicle makes contact with the bollards 34 the top corners thereof enter the grill of the vehicle. As the vehicle continues forward, the bumper contacts the bollards at about the same time as the corners enter the engine area of the vehicle. As the momentum carries the vehicle forward, damage to the vehicle increases until bending stresses in the bollards reach yield and the bollards begin to deform. The vehicle experiences rapid deceleration. As the vehicle continues over the bollards additional damage is inflicted to the vehicle.

[0032] Components of the vehicle receiving various degrees of damage include the radiator, the rods and steering linkage, engine oil pan and transmission. The energy stored in the moving mass (kinetic energy) begins to dissipate immediately upon contact with the bollards. Some of the energy is consumed by 1) elastic, then plastic deformation of parts of the vehicle; 2) friction between parts imploding onto each other; and, 3) heat. It should be understood, however, that the amount of energy dissipating in the initial moments of the crash cannot be determined accurately. The materials involved are not perfectly elastic; the moving structure, at impact, does not distribute the load evenly through its components; and, as a result the response of the components cannot be determined. The amount of energy being consumed during the moments immediately after impact is a matter for speculation. For the purpose of evaluation, however, the reduction of kinetic energy will be ignored. Therefore, the calculations may be considered somewhat conservative. The kinetic energy (KE) in the vehicle is calculated as follows:

[0033] Assume a vehicle Speed of 35 mph, or 616 in/sec.

[0034] Thus: ${{{mv}^{2}/2}\quad g} = \frac{15000\quad {lb}\quad \left( {616\quad {{in}/\sec}} \right)^{2}}{2\left( {32.2\quad {{ft}/\sec^{2}} \times \left( {12\quad {{in}/{ft}}} \right)} \right.}$

[0035] or Energy=7,365,217 in-lbs.

[0036] The force line of impact is assumed to be 6 inches above the road. Therefore, the force reacted by the bollards (F) is:

[0037] 7,365,217+6, or F=1,227,536 lb.

[0038] Assume the vehicle bumper crushes 6″ during impact.

[0039] Required Bending Strength for the Rod 26

[0040] Required Bending moment (m)=sin 60° (1,227,536 lb) (30 in) (m)=3,189,321 in; and the available bending moment is defined as:

[0041] F_(u)×S=60000×6.13 in³=367,800 in-lb;

[0042] Note that 4″×4″×½″ structural tubes are used for the bollards 34. Thus, F_(u)=60000 psi and the section modulus is 6.13 in³. The rod 26 thus fails in bending. Accordingly, additional security against such a failure of the bollards at the point of rotation, i.e. at the rod 26 and the support bushings 32 therefor, steel straps of ½″×16″ may be secured around the bushings.

[0043] The axial force will be reacted by the structure below the grade of the roadway. At the drive shaft, the force is diffused into two forces, one force (f₁) acting down the supporting structure and the second force (f₂) acting horizontally. The vertical force is well supported by the underlying structure. The second force (f₂) is reacted upon by the four ¼″ Grade 8 bolts. Checking the shear in the bolts: Only one set of bolts can be utilized per bollard because of the distance (i.e., 36″ away). Hence, the required force=1,227,536 lb. There are four ¼″ Grade 8 bolts securing each bollard 34. Each has a minimum shear strength of approximately 62,400 psi, for an A of 0.4416 in².

[0044] Required Shear, or: $V_{req} = {\frac{1,227,536\quad {lb}\quad \left( {28.5 + 15.6} \right)}{15.6\quad {in}} = {3,470,150\quad {lb}}}$

[0045] Available Sheer Capacity=F_(s)×A=62,400 psi(2)(0.4416 in²)=55,137 lb

[0046] Hence, the bolts fail in shear under this assumed set of facts. However, this does not account for the additional tension from the vertical component.

[0047] The bollards 34 will fail in bending, rotating backward over the support structure. However, the vehicle will have been disabled and will be unable to proceed under its own power. Failure of the bollards 34 under such a scenario was considered in the design of the present invention. The damaged bollards can be removed and replaced with new ones in less than an hour.

[0048] Method of Installation of the Present Invention

[0049] Preferrably, the first step in the installation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention requires that the existing roadway be cut away to a dimension of approximately 12′×9′×24″ deep or the like, thus creating a pit or the like. Located directly in the center of the pit or the like is an area approximately 7′×3′×1′ that must be filled with gravel, thus creating a gravel bed. Once the soil and gravel are compacted, the system 10 of the present invention may be placed into this foundation perimeter leaving an area of 2′ of concrete in front of the approach side 17, and 1′ of concrete after the shoulder side 19. Thus, the system 10 of the present invention is fully self contained, collapsible and requires no assembly at the installation site. Further to the method, the system 10 is set into the pit and leveled with the road surface. An electrical conduit is coupled to the system 10 prior to the placing of any concrete. Next, #5 re-bar, or the like, is placed into the areas in which concrete is to be placed. A very light broom finish is recommended for the concrete. A control switch is then installed at the system control station in order to insure proper operation.

[0050] The system 10 of the present invention provides for a built in drainage system via appetures to prevent standing or stagnate water. In addition, the system is corrosion protected and the top plate is coated with an anti-skid surface incorporating both safety stripping and corrosion control. The system 10 of the present invention provides for pedestrian traffic and in addition provides a safety strap or chain or the like which runs from the traffic barrier arm to the steel plate vault in order to prevent pedestrians from stepping into the traffic barrier trough. Other embodiments of the present invention may be installed in other numerous ways depending on soil conditions and drainage.

[0051] The present invention provides for the raising and lowering of the traffic barrier bollards in a fully automatic fashion from a single switch operation. Moreover, the system may be operated by remote control or computer controlled from a command center. For example, one or more of the system 10 may be incorporated into a network for protecting a military base or complex of government buildings. The system of the present invention can be operated manually and or automatically with a transponder from computer technology at a central computer terminal and provides for backup in case of electrical failure.

[0052] Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications of embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible traffic barrier system comprising: a. a steel vault having a top, a bottom, two ends, an approach side and a shoulder side; b. a rod rotatably mounted to support members inside said vault, said rod extending across said vault from end to end; c. a plurality of bollards, each having a first end and a second end, said bollards being coupled to said rod substantially near said first end, whereby rotation of said rod rotates said bollards so as to extend the second ends thereof above said vault in a vertical direction, hereafter raised position; d. an actuator having a first end anchored within said vault and a second end coupled to said rod by means of an arm, said actuator being disposed for rotating said rod; and, e. a stop anchored to the bottom of said vault for engaging the first ends of said bollards when said bollards are in said raised position.
 2. The system as in claim 1 wherein said vault is galvanized.
 3. The system as in claim 1 wherein said rod is a schedule 80 steel pipe.
 4. The system as in claim 1 wherein said support members comprise a plurality of steel I-beams disposed between said approach side and said shoulder side of said vault.
 5. The system as in claim 1 wherein said top of said vault comprises sheet steel having anti-skid treatment thereon for exposure to traffic.
 6. The system as in claim 1 wherein said actuator is driven by an electromagnetic motor.
 7. The system as in claim 6 wherein said electric motor is controllable by a switch coupled to a source of electricity.
 8. The system as in claim 6 electric motor is controllable by a remote control switch.
 9. The system as in claim 6 electric motor is controllable by a switch coupled to a computer system.
 10. A traffic control device having collapsible bollards, said device comprising: a. a steel vault adapted for being placed transverse a traffic lane of a roadway and in the pavement of said roadway, said vault having a top, a bottom, two ends, an approach side and a shoulder side; b. a rod rotatably mounted to support members inside said vault, said rod extending across said vault from end to end; c. a plurality of bollards, each having a first end and a second end, said bollards being coupled to said rod substantially near said first end, whereby rotation of said rod rotates said bollards so as to extend the second ends thereof above said vault in a vertical direction, hereafter raised position; d. an actuator having a first end anchored within said vault and a second end coupled to said rod by means of an arm, said actuator being disposed for rotating said rod; and, e. a stop anchored to the bottom of said vault for engaging the first ends of said bollards when said bollards are in said raised position.
 11. The device as in claim 10 wherein said support members comprise a plurality of steel I-beams disposed between said approach side and said shoulder side of said vault.
 12. The device as in claim 10 wherein said top of said vault comprises sheet steel having anti-skid treatment thereon for exposure to traffic.
 13. The device as in claim 10 wherein said actuator is driven by an electric motor.
 14. The device as in claim 13 wherein said electric motor is controllable by a switch coupled to a source of electricity.
 15. The device as in claim 13 electric motor is controllable by a remote control switch.
 16. The device as in claim 13 electric motor is controllable by a switch coupled to a computer system.
 17. The device as in claim 10 wherein said vault includes water drainage openings.
 18. The device as in claim 10 wherein said rod is a schedule 80 steel pipe.
 19. In a traffic control system having collapsible bollards disposed in a vault having an approach side and a shoulder side, a method for installing said system in a roadway comprising: a. excavating an opening in said roadway larger than the size of said system; b. locating said system in said opening and adjusting the height thereof even with the surface of said roadway; c. connecting electrical conduit between said system and the shoulder of said roadway; d. pouring concrete in the openings between said vault sides and said roadway pavement, the concrete on said approach side being twice as wide as on said shoulder side; d. finishing off said concrete with a broom finish and connecting said system to a control switch by means of said conduit.
 20. The method as in claim 19 further including the step of excavating an additional pit at the bottom of said opening and adding gravel to said pit for drainage of water. 